Physician Scientist Training Program in Pediatrics (PSTP2)

The Physician-Scientist Training Program in Pediatrics (PSTP²) at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Medical Center Dallas allows qualified candidates to pursue residency training in pediatrics followed by a subspecialty fellowship, with targeted optimization of their research training. Our Department of Pediatrics is highly committed to the development of academic physicians and physician-scientists. In addition to benefiting from the growing scientific programs within our department, trainees can take advantage of the clinical, academic, and scientific expertise across our campus through, an array of work-in-progress sessions, journal clubs, and career development seminars.

Opportunities

The PSTP² is designed to customize each candidate’s training, optimizing their development as a physician-scientist. With the Residency Program Director's approval, a PSTP² Scholar may participate in one of the American Board of Pediatrics’ Non-Standard Training Pathways, such as the Accelerated Research Pathway (ARP) or the Integrated Research Pathway (IRP). The ARP involves two years of general pediatrics residency followed by a minimum of four years of subspecialty fellowship, which includes a dedicated year of research. The IRP involves three years of general pediatrics residency - with up to 11 months of protected research time woven directly into the schedule - followed by a three-year subspecialty fellowship. Extended research training can be pursued based on the Scholar’s research interests and career goals. At all stages of training, scholars receive highly individualized mentorship. During the fellowship component, they are eligible for augmented salary support, and many participate in one of the numerous NIH-sponsored T32 programs at UT Southwestern.

Most importantly, participants have the opportunity to train in the research laboratories of UT Southwestern’s internationally renowned faculty. UT Southwestern is home to six Nobel laureates, 28 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 26 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 14 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. UT Southwestern laboratories and research groups investigate a wide array of scienfic questions, spanning from the most basic biological mechanisms to the delivery of tomorrow's clinical care. Indicative of its vibrant research environment and broad impact, UT Southwestern is ranked #1 in the Nature Index listing (March 2025 to February 2026) of leading health-care institutions globally for research in both the natural and biological sciences.

How to Apply

Interested M.D./Ph.D. graduates should apply to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Pediatrics Residency Program's PSTP² Track through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Individuals with an M.D. degree and either a master's degree or substantive research experience are also encouraged to apply.

Interviews

For entry into the PSTP² track beginning in July 2027, candidates selected to interview will be invited for a two-day, in-person visit to Dallas. Airfare, a two-night hotel stay, meals, and ground transportation will be covered by the program. You will have the opportunity to meet potential scientific mentors across various campus departments and centers; interact with the division chief, fellowship director, and current fellows in your subspecialty of interest; and learn about the new Dallas pediatric campus, an exciting $5 billion joint project by Children's Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Interviews are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, offering and ideal opportunity to extend your stay and explore Dallas on your own.